Thank you to Del Ray books for the eARC, Penguin Random House for the finished copy, and PRH Audio for the ALC.

3.5 stars.

I have some conflicted feelings about this one.

I was immediately sucked into the plot. Many years after a toxin modified some people (mods), giving them telepathic powers, those who’ve been changed have to hide who they are or face labor camps or death. Our FMC, Wren, is one of those modified folks—who ends up in a military academy for Primes, the people who would wish her dead.

Wren…just makes a lot of stupid and selfish decisions. She’s so impulsive and never thinks through the potential repercussions of her actions. I found myself rolling my eyes at so many of her choices.

But what I really struggled with…is the vague feeling of right wing political approval? Mods are gathered up and sent to labor camps or executed. It’s giving ‘Nazi labor camp.’ And the fact that Wren (and her MMC, Cross) participates, and never really vilifies the Primes, that gave me a bad vibe. I hate to compare to Hunger Games—but Katniss would never.

I’m hoping for some true character growth or development in the next book in the series. Because despite the icky feeling I had, I still enjoyed most of the story.

This book had a great premise and a lot of potential. Honestly, it still has the potential to be a really intriguing and thought-provoking dystopian series. However, the first book on its own failed to deliver some of the foundational elements of dystopian fiction. This happened in favor of putting the romance front and center (not necessarily a bad thing; you can have romance in dystopia!). The result was a story that felt half-baked in all areas, including the characterizations and romance.

I waffled between 3 and 4 stars for this book. The beginning had me hooked instantly, and there were many moments throughout where I didn't want to put it down. But then moments seemingly came out of left field - heavy leaning into how "cool" military training is and how badass everyone is, and weird messages about how religion/worshipping god is illegal in this world (*eyeroll*). Those moments could easily be taken out, and it would still be a solid story (honestly, a better one).

I also struggled to understand who I should be rooting for. Listen, I LOVE books that make you question who the real "good guys" are, if there are any at all. But few characters had redeeming qualities aside from the two mains - though many of the FMC's decisions were baffling and, again, half-baked. She's 20, I think, in this first book, so I'm trying to chalk it up to immaturity.

Overall, 3 stars for now. I plan to follow the series as more books come out because I really am intrigued by the premise and the potential for betting world building.

Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley and Del Rey!

Stop Right Now!!! If you are even a little bit curious about this book you need to go and buy this one immediately!

This book is my new obsession!!!! Seriously I am obsessed with this one! This book is not a 5 star oh no it’s a 10 star!! It deserves all the hype!!
If you are like me and love dystopian, example Divergent Series and have been longing for a book that has them kind of vibes along with some psychic abilities then yes this book is for you!!!!

Immediately after reading one page of this one I was hooked! Not going to lie I literally was devouring these pages like they were my favorite candy!!!

The Characters, the Banter, the Plot EVERYTHING is PERFECTION in this book!!!!!!

The vibes are 100% Divergent meets X-men.

Mark my words once you read this one you will be obsessed!

This book is my new obsession, and I’m re-entering my dystopian era! The vibes were very much Divergent meets Fourth Wing.

I loved the training setting where the recruits compete to have a spot in Silver Block & Silver Elite. There are so many characters with hidden identities and false loyalties that will keep you on your toes until the very end. I easily guessed one of the main plot points (Wolf’s identity), but it was still fun to see how it would be revealed. And there were many twists I didn’t see coming at all!

Wren and Cross are EVERYTHING! The banter, the tension, the spice…Cross is very Xaden-esque with his higher leadership role and possessiveness/will burn the world only for her traits. I also loved (and loved to hate) so many of the secondary characters. There were several scenes involving these characters that had me emotionally gutted, or cheering at their downfall.

I enjoyed the exploration of morality and war. An oppressive government versus an uprising movement, but in the end is the uprising justifying the same actions they fight against? I guess we will see in the next book!

𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘳. 𝘋𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘭. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐’𝘮 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦’𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘐’𝘮 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦’𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴.

“𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘬, 𝘋𝘰𝘷𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.”

“𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘶𝘦?”
“𝘕𝘰. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵.”
“𝘚𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯.”
“𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳,” 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘸.

Thank you to Del Rey and Hambright PR for providing me with a copy of this book. This review is voluntary, and all opinions expressed are my own.

This was my first dystopian romance and it didn’t disappoint. I was definitely giving divergent vibes and I was here for it .

This book is so bingeable literally you won’t stop wanting to read it. I was on the edge of my seat for some parts of the book and kept thinking to myself wtf & did this really just happen .

The romance between the two MMC was so good! I loved their banter & forbidden moments. They had so many moments together and I was so giddy. Cross was so HOT… literally that man was so down bad for her and he was such a softie at heart .

I will say Wren did annoy me at times when she was so reckless and wouldn’t listen in certain situations.

I can’t wait for book 2

Thank you Del Rey Publishing & Dani Francis for the arc 🩷

I loved this book so much! Usually, I struggle with the first book of series but this one pulled me right in and didn't let up until the very end. I read this in a day, I obsessed so hard about it. These characters are so flawed and feel so real, I love them so much. There's no information dumping, everything is added through the story little by little. The end twist hooked me even more. I really can't wait for the next book!

First, I have to admit... my review is late (received the ARC) because I genuinely didn’t want to finish this book!!!! I loved it that much! Dystopian fantasy with enemies to lovers romance is my kryptonite. I eat it up and want seconds, THIRDS, and I just never want it to end.... obviously

I’m not entirely sure how to review this except to say: it’s a 5 ⭐read for me in terms of vibes, and probably 4⭐when it comes to writing style.
The writing gets a bit choppy and abrupt, especially in the last 25%... but honestly? That didn’t stop me from being completely invested

Wren is easily one of my favorite FMCs I’ve read. Her survival story, her trust issues (relatable LOL), her internal moral battles, and her growth in learning who to let in... I just loved it. I wanted more

I loved the cliffhanger. It answered enough to feel satisfying but still left so much to look forward to in the next book. And the ROMANCE??? This man is down BADDDD for Wren.
The groveling???? ohhh lawdy I'm unwell

+ the friendships
+ the powers
+ the war
+ the spice 2.5/5 🌶️
+ the enemies to lovers TENSION
+ the "I hate how much I NEED YOU" hehehe

it hit all the marks for me.
Yes, the writing could have used a bit more polish in places, but this is still going down as a top read of the year. I absolutely adored it and highly recommend !!!

I really do believe (and this isn't a comparison for likes, views, and overall basic influencer culture's sake) if you liked Fourth Wing or Quicksilver you're going to like Silver Elite. Here's why I think that:

- fast paced plot that's easy to understand and effective in building up tension and action
- badass, sarcastic, chaos goblin of an FMC whose impulsive, makes some dumbass decisions, but has a big heart
- broody MMC with lots of muscles whose down bad
- himbo side character
- deadly training school
- secret identities
- whose the bad guys, really?
- some good, snort worthy banter

I liked Silver Elite because at it's core it was just a fun time. A very easy read that kept me wanting to keep going on almost every page. Was this predictable as hell? Absolutely 100% yes, but that didn't take away from the journey for me. Giving it 4 stars because I wish the big reveals, especially about the relationship, weren't so obvious. But definitely recommend if this sounds like your jam!

"Silver Elite" is the first installment of an engaging adult dystopian trilogy by Dani Francis. After a devastating war, humanity is divided between the unmodified Primes, and the infected Modifies or Mods, possessors of enhanced psychic abilities that are feared by the Primes. Mods’ psychic abilities are a result of toxin contamination that occurred during the war. There is a deep-seated hatred and distrust between the two groups. The Primes control the authoritarian government. Mods who to exhibit psychic abilities are either killed or sent to work camps.

It is against this backdrop that the reader is introduced to the world of the main character Wren Darlington. Wren is a strong, resourceful, and resilient character. She is a Mod who possesses incredible psychic abilities and has spent her life concealing them. Following a distressing event, she comes under the scrutiny of the oppressive regime and is compelled to join the elite Silver Block unit. Cross Redden, the male lead, serves as Wren’s commanding officer and primary adversary. There is a notable tension and strong chemistry between them. Their fiery banter and mutual distrust gradually evolve into a slow-burn attraction, making their interactions intense and compelling.

"Silver Elite" is a compelling novel that features well-developed characters and a gripping narrative complemented by a writing style that keeps the reader engaged throughout. The author deals with issues of societal scapegoating and prejudice, friendships, trust, betrayal, and a story-line involving a relationship that evolves from adversaries to lovers. As a fan of dystopian novels, I am thrilled to have this new addition to this world. I cannot wait for the next book in the series and was delighted to have had the opportunity to read this fantastic story. I highly recommend it to fellow dystopian lovers; it is a must-read for your reading list.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dani Francis, and Random House Worlds/Del Rey for the digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

DNF - I got two chapters into this book and could not vibe with the elementary, cringy writing style. It was not for me.

I am also disappointed in the way this book has been marketed and the lack of real commentary from the author on dystopia as a genre. This book seems to have been written purely for smut with the aesthetic of “dystopia” to make it seem cool.

Romance, war, enemies to lovers, this book has it all! Hooked from the start and the story never gave up, so readers be prepared to go on a wild journey.

This was such a fun time. The fast pace of the plot really makes this book easy to follow and devour. I ate it up!
Why do I love books where some people can communicate in their heads with each other? Idk but I really do! I also liked the explanation for why voices sound different in your head versus hearing the same person talk out loud.

I’ll admit that sometimes the things Wren said or did made me want to shake her 🤪 She got on my nerves just a tiny bit in certain moments. I did like her for the most part though. The MMC was swoony and a lot of the side characters were great.
Also, while it didn’t really bother me I do want to say that the dystopian vibes were minimal for me. It has a similar feel to the classic dystopian books because it’s easy to follow and addictive but the actual world didn’t feel super dystopian to me. I’m hoping for some more world building in the next book.

This was a lot of fun. I’m happy I read it and look forward to the next one.

It’s been a while since I’ve read a dystopian novel, but this book reminded me how much I love them.

This was giving The Hunger Games and Divergent vibes, while still being completely its own story, and I was here for it. I loved it.


Once I picked this up, I had a hard time putting it down. I probably would have finished it faster if I didn’t have to do “life” things. But seriously, this was so dang good!

The plot and world building was done well. It was written in way that was easy to understand and follow.

And Wren Darlington? I loved her. She was strong, smart, and a total bada**.

Cross was kind of an a**hole for a while, but he had his reasons. He was dangerous, charming, and morally grey.

The tension between them was thick, and the sparks and chemistry? Off the charts. I just loved the two of them.

Now, of course, there were some plot twists. To be honest, I did predict one of the huge ones, so it wasn’t super shocking. Though I did not see the ending coming.

And now, I’m in a book slump. This is definitely in my top reads of the year.

I need the next book like I need air.

Huge thank you to the publisher, Del Rey books, for reaching out and sending me an eARC. All thoughts are my own.

First off, I want to say thank you for giving me a chance to read this book early! I know so many readers have fallen in love with this story, so I was excited to see what it was all about. Unfortunately, I couldn’t connect to the characters or story. I know romance was one of the main plots, but I was hoping for more of a dystopian feel! As a dystopian fan, I love when books push the limits on society and what can happen in alternate worlds. I do enjoy romance in books, but feel that dystopians should also focus on the dystopia part equally if not more. I went into the book with the expectation to be completely captivated since it has been marketed as a story with a modern day Katniss. Wren just didn’t have that appeal for me! I’m bummed that this wasn’t my favorite read, but thank you so much again for giving me this opportunity!

Okay. When I say drop everything and read this now, I mean it. DROP EVERYTHING. RUN. READ ITTTTTTTTT. Also, did I say read this book? If I say it out loud, do you think it will work? Feeling incited?

This book is in my top 3 for the year, which says a lot, but not only that, it's probably in my top 3 fantasy series, EVER. We all remember the hold Divergent had on us in our youth, so imagine Divergent with powers (i.e. Powerless series) and then imagine that Four was no longer in a YA book. But thennnn make it unique and unputdownable. This is my new book rec for any time someone asks me. I will have dreams about this book, I will share this book with my kids and their kids and probably have it engraved on my tombstone as to read. You know, to say the least.

I am so happy to have gotten this copy from Dani Francis and Hambright PR, and beyond excited it was a BOTM pick.

Silver Elite is the love child of Divergent and Fourth Wing and I loved it.

Cross is a hybrid of Four/Xaden. He’s a broody asshole until he turns soft for the FMC Wren.

Wren is secretly powerful but acts weak. She’s impulsive, sassy, and genuinely does not care. But she has morals, she’s not a psycho like most the people she’s around. She’s starts training her abilities at 5 years old and she’s been through some shit. So getting into Silver Elite isn’t hard. It’s all the secrets she doesn’t have answers to that has her stuck.

Overall I rated this 3.75/5 stars. I’m very curious to see where the series goes, so I’ll be continuing on to book 2 when it’s released.

Silver Elite is all anyone can talk about, and for good reason. It’s a fast-paced, action-packed, dystopian romantasy with a unique plotline, complex characters, a brutal world, and a scorching hot forbidden romance. Humans are separated into two groups in the Continent: Primes and Modified. The Primes are in power and have hunted the Mods almost to extinction because of their dangerous psychic gifts.

Wren Darlington is a Mod with four psychic abilities, and has been in hiding her entire life because of them. Due to a mistake she makes, she’s taken prisoner by the Continent’s military and forced to become a recruit in their elite training program. Wren is a total baddie. She’s lethal and has been trained to fight, withstand interrogation, and shield her mind since she was 5 years old. She’s also sassy, impulsive, impatient, cunning, and fierce. I love her.

As she struggles to survive training, keep her powers hidden, and ingratiate herself to the Uprising, the rebel group of Mods fighting against the rule of the Primes, she’s increasingly drawn to Cross, her cocky commanding officer. They don’t trust each other, but also can’t leave each other alone, and their chemistry is explosive. There is so much flirting, and banter, and tension, and I ate it up.

I couldn’t put this book down, and stayed up well past 2 a.m. to read it. Mark my words, it’s going to be the new Fourth Wing. Read it immediately. In fact, buy your copy of the first print run asap, because you don’t want to miss out on it.

Thank you to Del Rey, Random House, Dani Francis, and NetGalley for the ARC.

📔Silver Elite
✏️ Dani Francis
📆 May 06, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

READ IF YOU LIKE:
🕊️dystopian romantasy
🕊️illegal psychic powers
🕊️brutal, oppressive government
🕊️elite military training program
🕊️enemies to lovers
🕊️he’s her commanding officer
🕊️secret identities
🕊️lies, betrayals, & scheming

Silver Elite is a dystopian fantasy following a a woman with powers as she is unwillingly forced into enemy territory. This book has several of my favorite tropes, and the romance was the perfect ratio of yearning/spice. While I did find the twists predictable, Silver Elite was impossible to put down. I will absolutely be continuing this series.

I received an ARC from Random House Worlds | Del Rey via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Silver Elite is an undeniably addictive new adult dystopian book that you will want to finish in one sitting.

The concept is what reeled me in: a biotoxin unleashed 150 years ago resulted in genetic mutations in a select few - the Modified - who developed telepathic gifts and whose veins pulse silver when channelling their abilities. There's just one thing: the Continent's government is out to eliminate all Mods. Wren, our main character, has hidden from them her whole life, until an incident leads her into the crosshairs of the military and everything changes. If you love a dystopian setting, you need to enter the world of Silver Elite.

Although it is a dystopian story, the plot is very romance-heavy. If you are looking for intricate worldbuilding or dystopian commentary reminiscent of George Orwell or Suzanne Collins, this probably won't meet your expectations. The dystopian setting is fantastic but, in my view, it is not the main focus of the story. The spotlight here is on the characters and character relationships. If you are looking for a romance/romantasy set in a dystopia, you will absolutely devour this book. Dani Francis writes very compelling and likeable characters, and builds character relationships so so well. I loved getting to know all the characters and seeing the romance develop throughout the story.

I would definitely recommend this book for fans of romance in a dystopian setting.

*Spoiler free*
I have not read many dystopian romance books, so I was unsure going into this one as to whether it would be my thing. I can safely say that it was most definitely my thing! This is one of those books where you truely don’t want it to end. I was sucked in from the very first chapter and I could see why this book is getting so much hype.

Silver Elite is very reminiscent of Fourth Wing, minus dragons and set in a post apocalyptic world. This post war world has two classes of people, “mods” - those who had some kind of mutation that gives them the ability to manifest certain powers. And there’s “primes” the current ruling class who hunt mods and sentences them to either labour camps or death. Our FMC is a mod with the gift of telepathy, who has to go into military school under the guise that she is a prime, and train with the people who hunt her kind.

There are so many twists and turns, betrayal, secrets, hidden identifies that you truely can’t predict what is going to happen. You literally cannot trust anyone in this book, and I think the inability to really foreshadow where things are going is one of this book’s strengths.

The FMC Wren is a total badass and she knows it, she’s also incredibly impulsive and I found her propensity to be like “screw it” whenever she was about to make a reckless decision highly entertaining. The romance between Wren and the MMC delivers, it’s full of tension and the most delicious slow burn. I really enjoyed the snark and banter between Wren and the MMC.

All around I found this to be a really enjoyable and addictive read and I look forward to seeing how the story continues in the next book. If you loved the romance in Fourth Wing and dystopian settings, you must absolutely read this book!!

𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀
🕊️Secret identity
🕊️Military romance
🕊️Slow Burn enemies to lovers
🕊️High Stakes
🕊️Forbidden romance

Thanks to @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse @delray for providing me with this eARC.